Thank you for...

Before I blog about a few things,
In honour of Jackie, recalling a 90-minute chat we had a had last night -- before i fell asleep at the keyboard. From the chat history: a skim-edited, compilation of things I'm (we're) thankful for.

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{begin chat}

so... thank you again. for a lot of things.

Jackie: like what?

for wanting to learn.
for reading.
for listening to stuff you don't want to hear.
for not giving up.
for forgiveness.
for happiness and trials.
for learning experiences.
for caring.
for praying.
for driving.
for putting up with my crap sometimes, whether directed at you or elsewhere.
for showing strength and being strong.
for admitting weakness and fault.
for listening to my weaknesses and faults.
for wanting to help.
for your patience.
for kindness.
for your company.
for love.
for trust.
for beauty -- within and without.
for our dreams.
for our visions.
for hugs.
for long talks/chats.
for smiles.
for food.
for your time. [thank you for your time. sounds like a telemarketer!]
for laughs.
for jokes.
for allowing me to experience emotion.
for gifts.
for your confidence in me.
for your writings.
for believing in us.
for your accepting of me.
for both of our poetry.
for perspective.
for direction.
for allowing me to be candid.
for allowing me to speak without editing.
for tears. both our tears. we know a stronger happiness after going through pain.
for childhood stories.
for memories long past.
for memories currently shared.
for noticing.
for deep stares.
for slow-dances.
for baking cookies with me.
for picnics.
for pictures.
for developing.
for enlargements.
for cropping.
for film.
for batteries.
[okay, no more camera stuff]
for handball.
for cell-phone time.
for patties!
for walks in the park.
for walks in the forest.
for long drives and short drives.
for exploring toronto.
for the beaches.
for downtown.
for the bluffs!
for sharing sunny skies.
for sharing the boardwalk.
for rain. us, covered in rain.
for edwards gardens. I've never been there before you opened the door to me.
for opening doors in my life.
for sunrises.
for sunsets.
for john mayer.
for music.
for (the few times i've heard you) singing.
for guitar.
for listening to me play guitar.
for listening to me sing.
for listening to me sing when i'm not purposely not trying.
for blogs.
for still listening to me list things here.

Jackie: it's a long list
Jackie: i never realized how much we've done
Jackie: you should blog that list so i don't forget, i like to be reminded

for giving that suggestion!
FOR PURPOSE.
for Purpose-Driven Life.
for comfort: physical, intellectual, spiritual.

Jackie: for taking care of you when you had that scary attack

for taking care of me.
for cooking me chicken! for making me breakfast
for your yearbook. [oops! i still have it. at least i *know where it is!]
for signing MY yearbook.
for two-way radio conversations.
for shopping. yes, for shopping!
for wendy's, bakery buns, diana sweets, summerfields, patties(!), and other places we've eaten.
for friday afternoon fish and chips during lent.
for praying the rosary with me.
for deep prayer at home.
for prayers at work.
for EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER.
for being committed.
for staying committed.
for honesty.
for your hair.
for your perfume.
for soft kisses.
for the way your fingers fit in mine.
for sitting in the passenger seat.
for sitting in the driver's seat.
for encouragement.
for dinner-and-movie dates.
for double-dates.
for creativity. [for scavenger haunt ideas!]
for attending scavenger haunt!
for friendship, and courtship.
for the willingness to experience how far God will take us.
for inspiration.
for reversi.
for chess.
for seven hands!
for card games.
for sungka.
for correcting me.
for birthdays.
for pizza
for e-mails.
for forwards!
for visits after school at my old co-op.
for warmth.
for making my hands warm.
for falling asleep.
for being my last thought at night.
for *still listening to this list!
for staying awake.

Jackie: playing pool
Jackie: downtown driving
Jackie: bbtea shooting

for nintendo / N64.
for bbtea shooting at little kids!

Jackie: wonderland
Jackie: skiing
Jackie: highschool retreats

for grade 12 retreat
for downhill skiing

Jackie: parks
Jackie: swings

for south scarborough driving / exploring.

for tree/house shopping.

Jackie: hello bowling!

for bowling!!!
for dance-dance revolution.

Jackie: mario parties

{end chat; brian falls asleep}

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I love you. I guess I like to be reminded, too.
Even if it means falling asleep with you on my mind,
instead of in my arms.

Someday...

---

Lord, thank you for being the driving force
behind us, ahead of us, beside us, with us.
We are in love with you.

---

For restoring broken fellowship / courtship.
For experiencing life together.
For memories that God still intends for us to share.